Nigeria will host the Global Alliance World Public Relations Forum in Abuja from November 15 to 21, 2026, with the Presidency pledging its support for the international event.
According to Channels Television, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, gave the assurance when he received members of the planning committee at the State House in Abuja.
The conference, themed “Deepening Responsible Communications,” is expected to attract about 3,000 delegates from 126 member countries of the Global Alliance.
The event is being organised in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation and the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations.
Onanuga said Nigerians should use the conference to project the country positively, expressing concern about what he described as negative portrayals of Nigeria in some quarters.
He said the forum provided an opportunity to address misconceptions and present a broader picture of the country to international visitors.
The President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Dr Ike Neliaku, said Nigeria was the first African country to secure hosting rights for the global forum. He noted that countries including Mexico, India and Germany had previously hosted the event.
A key feature of the Abuja conference will be the signing of “The Abuja Declaration” by participating delegates.
Neliaku also disclosed that Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema is expected to deliver the keynote address, while President Bola Tinubu is scheduled to receive a Lifetime Award of Excellence in Reforms.
The planning committee said preparations were already at an advanced stage, with collaboration involving media organisations and security agencies.
The conference is also expected to promote gender inclusion, with women and persons with disabilities included in the programme.
